Did anyone watch the GOP Gubernatorial Debate last night? If so, what are your overall thoughts? The most important question is whether the debate caused you to change your opinion as to who you’re supporting. Did it? Why or why not?
GOP Gubernatorial Debate
Posted January 26th, 2006 at 04:01 PM by Jason Barickman
I just watched a couple snipits from the CBS2 website.
1. I hate it when the professional questioners interject their own campaigning in - one reporter, talking about the pension payments, felt he had to add to his question that Illinois has paid more into the pension system under Blago than under any previous Governor (Ok, but that is not a question)
2. In response to that question, Brady noted he has proposed legislation to allow gov't workers to fund 401k-type accounts. I assume this is in lieu of the pension plan, and would be couple with a substantial matching provision. Some Dem has been harping on this idea before on this site (the GOP wants to eliminate the pension plan altogether and force everyone into a 401k) - it looks like at least one GOP candidate is offering it up. If all employees chose that option, the state wouldn't be able to defer pension payments. I respect Brady for having the guts to put that out there.
I was leaning - if not already solidly for- Brady going in, and he cemented my support. He looked relaxed, knowledgable and just presented himself well.....like a Governor.
Oberweis, as I said somewhere below, did better than expected, but that's not saying a whole lot. Topinka didn't really hurt herself in my opinion, as she didn't make any major gaffes, but she didn't set anyone on fire for her either. Gidwitz is done. Yikes!
I was disappointed Oberweis has fared so well when I heard how superficial all of his answers were, and when he compared himself to Patrick Fitzgerald and dropped Corrine Wood's name, I was horrified. Whoever gave him that advice should be severely dressed-down if not fired. He came across a complete sleazebag to me with that. I'm sort of surprised no one has really hammered him on that in the press yet.
This could be the beginning of a move for Brady if he can keep it up and build on it.
OK, on a different thread some posters expressed some disappointment in Topinka. They made it sound as if she was really playing the "frontrunner" status - don't take any tough stands, don't make anyone mad, and just try to ease into the general on name recognition. I also note from yesterday's NG that she won't be coming to our local debate.
I think that is a risky strategy for her - I am not sure she can pull that off.
Listener, your blog is a bit more engaging than your comment here - I will be interested to note what else you have heard around town.
I was convinced after watching the debate that there is no way in hell any of those whack jobs could beat Blagojevich
I had a similar reaction to ILvoter. I went into the debate trying to make up my mind between JBT and Gidwitz. I walked away wondering if I shouldn't vote for Brady after all. For the longest time, I have been trying to figure out why people have been taking Brady's campaign seriously. He's a relatively unknown and underfunded back-bencher in the Senate, which doesn't seem to be a positive springboard to higher office. After seeing him last night, now I know why folks are starting to take him seriously.
I have been hoping that the more Judy gets out there, debating and campaigning, the more people will realize she is really not our best chance to beat Rod. Maybe she will prove me wrong instead. I know people who have worked for her, and they are not voting for her. If she loses the "I am the best chance to beat Rod" mantle, what else does she have?
Considering the Chamber of Commerce and other business groups sponsored the debate, it was surprising the reporters were allowed to make partisan comments in their questions.
Overall, they all did a decent job of focusing attacks on Blagojavich and avoiding attacks against each other...although it could have been better.
Brady was the first to mention his pledge not to raise taxes and everyone but Topinka followed. He also sounded good in general, especially compared to Gidwitz's lack of charisma and Topinka's reputed charisma not really coming through.
As for public impact, it depends on who was watching. Insiders have already made up their minds, but any core Republican primary voter tuning in for the first time with little knowledge of the candidate was probably most impressed by Oberweis.
He had clear and concise responses with positive, motivating energy (he refrained from taking potshots, except a minor one at Topinka) and the only one who seemed connected to real people. He mentioned concern about Corrine Wood (a slightly awkward, but clever appeal to moderate voters) and the story about a friend who moved trucking jobs out of IL thanks to the Guv.
The Patrick Fitzgerald comment seemed to work well positioning him as the outsider and might work well for Brady in terms of incorruptability.
Oberweis was the first to get loud applause for his statements about enforcing immigration laws and not subsidizing illegals, which Brady echoed.
Oberwies' outsider role and strong pledge against corruption or taking money from those in business with the state may appeal to voters in a "throw the bums out" election year.
Although not as good, Oberwies' performance reminded me of Reagan and gave a good first impression. If enough likely voters were watching he'll probably rise in the polls.
I think Oberweiss and Brady presented themselves well. That's too bad because all kinds of knuckleheads will think they actually have a chance at beating Blago in November. Remember Al Salvi? That guy was amazingly charismatic in person. But when the attack ads began, his campaign fell apart. Can you imagine the Republican Taliban commercial? Or the Illegal Immigration commercial? Topinka is still the way to go.
I'm still wondering if there's anyone out there who actually watched the debate and walked away supporting a candidate other than who they originally supported (prior to the debate). In other words, does having GOP debates change anyone's mind at this point?
Maybe another question would be, would a debate between Eisendrath and Blagojevich change people's support in the Democratic Primary?
I think debates can change minds, especially if you don't know much about the candidates. The 2004 7-way GOP Senate debates are an example.
The commentators seemed to think the "unknown" Brady showed well - for Chicagoans who thought Obi was the only conservative choice this may well swing some votes.
Jason,
I was supporting Judy, but now am leaning towards Brady. Brady was well spoken and offered details, Judy was reading from a script but didn't really say anything of substance. Brady was confident, positive, and relaxed (especially during the second half) and got the most applause from the audience. Judy has earned a lot of respect from me through her years of service to our state and could still win me back if she does much better in future debates.
Obie's multiple mentions of Fitzgerald was ridiculous. Note to Obie: You are no Patrick Fitzgerald. You're a three time loser.
The papers are reporting that there was a pre-debate earlier that evening between Brady and Obie. It got heated a few times. The Sun-Times article is especially detailed.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0601260146jan26,1,2314171.story
http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-noondebate25.html
I expected to be choosing between Topinka and Gidwitz, but found myself liking Brady and Oberweis.
redstatewannabe - Where did you go to see snipets of the debates?
Oops, now I see the link. Thanks anyway.
Look at the one where Brady is asked about funding state pensions.
Note to Obie: You are no Patrick Fitzgerald. You're a three time loser.
What was the third time?
When he tried for head of the state party.
Topinka did not answer the question about the so-called tax swap. I have each of the candidates' answers on my web site, McHenry County Blog.
Oberweis gave the best answer, "In a word, 'No.'"
For what it's worth, I took these notes while watching the debates. Some are my own observations, most is simply what the candidates said.
Topinka - looks tired.
- too general on education.
- shouldn't raise money from gambling - gimick.
- bonding for raising money, jobs.
- lock everyone in a room - working w/legislature to cut spending.
- section 8 should be good/clean surrounding.
- in gov. too long, credibility? - experience counts.
- good treasurer, turned around treasurer's office.
- lift taxes for employers
- currently ranked 45/50 job creation under Blago.
- attract jobs to state/capital investing
- treasurer has attracted jobs already
- look at laws and taxes that we impose
- get venture capitalists to invest here.
- healthcare under medicaid is more expensive than private medical care
- better utilization/no fraud in healthcare
- cut spending to get revenue
- stop waist
- should not be expanding gambling
- grow economy/ we're not competing w/other states
- drowning in red ink/bleeding good paying job
- agree with these other candidates (said this serveral times!)
- seen leadership in treasurer's office
- elect me for stability,predictability,integrity
- will bring back businesses to illinois.
Brady - handsome, kind looking, charming.
- grow our economy to pay for education.
- Allkids - can't afford right now.
- private sector candidate - get jobs w/healthcare.
- restore '95 forced spending, borrow from private.
- initiate 401K for state employees.
- reduce corruption/pay to play.
- no rounding up illegals and dropping them off w/helicoptors like Obi said.
- retirees - increase income - lower property tax burden.
- abolish state board of education.
- create DOE under governor.
- love the Goldilocks analogy (not too much experience,Topinka,not too little Obi/Gidwitz)
- reduce payment cycle to businesses
- balance business/ say no to programs we can't afford
- cut medicaid cost by better management
- deficits/new resources instead of cutting spending
- service taxes - won't increase taxes
- meaningful workers compensation reform
- repeal double fuel tax
- best natural/ man-made resources of surrounding states.
- need level playing field.
- bring jobs back to illinois/manage medicaid
- illinois needs capital program
- need to trust governor
- say no/prioritize
- retire Blago!
- best/only chance legislative experience
- proven record of not raising taxes
- new generation/cleanest candidate
- 12 years legislative experience
- 25 years business experience
- (he doesn't look like he could be that old)
Gidwitz - seems smarmy, but has some good points.
- chaired state board of education.
- more accountability in education, #1 priority.
- end tax on tax.
- more taxpayers (?).
- bills coming due - pay bills when they come due.
- prioritize spending. (yeah, but how? pensions?)
- how to attract and keep jobs in Illinois. tax incentives.
- slum lord, Joliet playing politics. HUD
- restructure tax heirarchy in Illinois.
- built Helene Curtis
- on econ. dev. comm. in chicago
- chamber of commerce of Chicago
- 5 point plan to develop economy. help small business
-- tax credits for business
-- bonus for healthcare
-- return payroll tax with job creation
- worst judicial/legal climate for businesses.
- served on clivil justice league
- job growth and prosperity
- end venue shopping
- product liability reform
- needs of plaintiffs/defendants
- illiniois most expensive place to do business
- reduce cost on business
- fix workman compensation costs
- restructure realestate taxes for businesses
- what would a family do - prioritize spending
- can't raise taxes and send business away
- need to tighten belt for a while
- take back our goverment from abusers
- Illinois on wrong path - jobs/education/corruption
- need proven leader
- created jobs/took on Blago/rolled back some fee/taxes
- real education reforms
- restore integrity
Oberweis looks like grandpa - reformer.
- former teacher.
- too much money spent on beaurocracy.
- incentives to get better performance in education.
- end corruption,waist,fraud. welfare/workmancomp fraud.
- not taking contributions from businesses.
- attract companies, hold down taxes, citizens keep dollars in pockets.
- limit contributions for quid-pro-quoe.
- enforce laws on illegals.
- no instate tuition/matriculation cards/no iloan for mortgages, no attracting illegals.
- state loses jobs because businesses leave.
- keep government out of business
- tort reform
- how to fund pension - fund by ending corruption tax, not taking contributions from businesses
- defined contriubution systems for state employees.
- Starline suburb to suburb transit system - federal money(?) end corruption/pay to play
- don't bar competitive bidders on construction
- illinois has a spending problem, not a revenue problem.
- change anti-business atmosphere
- grow the pie
- no involement w/prior admin
- outside system to create change
- go after corruption where ever they find it.
- Corine Wood health?
Topinka belives she can do what she did as treasure but just bump it up a level as governor. Her points seemed very general, while the others had more specific ideas. I learned from her that healthcare under medicaid is more expensive than private medical care. Also, over $800 mil spent on educating illegals in Illinois.
Brady is charming, well spoken. Believes that growth in private sector will solve a lot of the money problems in education, taxes, healthcare. Liked his idea to abolish state board of education, and create DOE under governor, but that will raise some hackles. Claims he is the cleanest candidate, which may be true.
Gidwitz has been on every board in this state, or so it seems. Sounds like he is passonate and involved in many areas of Illinois government. Seems a little too well connected to the current movers and shakers, but maybe that's because he ran a large corporation that required that. Really knew a lot of details about reforms needed to help businesses thrive.
Oberweis was very Reagon-esque, even kinda looks like him. He seemed to stress positive steps that can acheive positive goals, like incentive programs, etc. He seems to have strong convictions about what Illinois needs and will follow through to implement them.